30-Day FAANG Interview Prep Plan for Data Engineers

Here’s a structured 30-day Python program for data engineers targeting FAANG interviews, using free resources from the search results:

Week 1-2: Core Python & Data Structures

Days 1-7: Python Fundamentals

1. Syntax & Data Types (2hrs/day)
   • Practice on W3Schools Python Tutorial4
   • Focus on lists, dictionaries, sets, and tuples
   • Complete 5 LeetCode easy problems daily25

Days 8-14: Algorithms & Data Structures

1. LeetCode Patterns (3hrs/day)
   • Focus on string manipulation and array problems2
   • Study sliding window, two pointers, and hashmap techniques
   • Use Codebasics.io free DSA playlist1

Week 3: Data Engineering Specialization

Days 15-21: Data Processing & Tools

1. Pandas/NumPy Mastery (2hrs/day)
   • Complete DataQuest’s free pandas exercises5
   • Practice data cleaning with real-world datasets
2. PySpark Basics (1hr/day)
   • Study Spark SQL and RDD operations
   • Use Apache Spark official documentation4

Days 22-24: Workflow Orchestration

1. Airflow Fundamentals (2hrs/day)
   • Complete Apache Airflow official tutorial4
   • Build sample DAGs with task dependencies

Week 4: System Design & Mock Interviews

Days 25-27: System Design Preparation

1. Design Patterns (3hrs/day)
   • Study “System Design Primer” GitHub repository1
   • Watch Gaurav Sen’s YouTube channel for case studies1
2. Data Modeling (1hr/day)
   • Practice schema design for OLAP/OLTP systems
   • Use free data modeling exercises from SeattleDataGuy3

Days 28-30: Interview Simulation

1. Mock Interviews (4hrs/day)
   • Use Pramp.com for free peer practice3
   • Record yourself solving problems (YouTube recommendation)3
   • Review Google’s Data Engineer interview guide6

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Key Resources

Category	Free Resources
Python Programming	W3Schools4, Corey Schafer YouTube4
Data Structures	LeetCode2, Codebasics.io playlist1
System Design	Gaurav Sen YouTube1, System Design Primer1
Data Engineering	Apache Airflow Tutorial4, DataQuest Pandas exercises5
Interview Prep	SeattleDataGuy’s study guides3, FAANG SQL patterns6

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Daily Routine

1. Morning (1hr): LeetCode/HackerRank problems
2. Afternoon (2hrs): Specialized topic study (Spark/Airflow/System Design)
3. Evening (1hr): Review solutions and track progress using Google Sheets3

Pro Tip: Focus on explaining your thought process during practice – FAANG interviews value communication as much as technical skills23. Use the last 3 days exclusively for mock interviews and mental preparation3.

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfpdr9j94_k
2. https://www.reddit.com/r/dataengineering/comments/eggqri/what_to_focus_in_python_for_data_engineer/
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-3lkLniXwE
4. https://github.com/vajol/python-data-engineering-resources/blob/main/resources/learning-resources.md
5. https://www.dataquest.io/blog/python-practice/
6. https://www.datacamp.com/blog/top-21-data-engineering-interview-questions-and-answers
7. https://dataengineeracademy.com/module/100-python-coding-questions-for-data-engineers/
8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdrwZfeTd-o
9. https://rivery.io/blog/free-resources-learn-python/
10. https://www.reddit.com/r/leetcode/comments/oo5tkl/looking_for_advice_to_prepare_for_a_google_tech/
11. https://github.com/rbhatia46/Data-Science-Interview-Resources
12. https://interviewkickstart.com/blogs/interview-questions/data-engineer-interview-questions-for-faang-interviews
13. https://www.reddit.com/r/dataengineering/comments/18zfz14/preparing_for_de_interviews_at_faang_companies/
14. https://www.techinterviewhandbook.org/coding-interview-study-plan/
15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9rqo776gV8
16. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix9cRaBkVe0
17. https://dataengineeracademy.com/blog/faang-interviews-prep/
18. https://github.com/ashishps1/awesome-system-design-resources